Newly announced Manitoba solar glass project raising red flags for advocates

'It's not about money, it's about people. It's about people in their environment. Indigenous people, in particular, are connected to the land.'

A project given the green light by the government of Manitoba is raising red flags for environmental and land advocates.

On Wednesday, the province said yes to a solar glass project by Canadian Premium Sand (CPS) that will see silica sand mined from Hollow Water First Nation, Man., and processed in Selkirk.

It was promised to bump the economy — creating almost 300 long-term jobs, with 600-700 construction positions, and generating $200 million in provincial taxes over a decade.

But MJ McCarron, a Hollow Water community member of 40 years, is concerned about disruptions to Indigenous practices in the area.

“It’s not about money, it’s about people. It’s about people in their environment. Indigenous people, in particular, are connected to the land,” she said. “That’s where every kid goes to learn how to hunt chickens. That’s where they start their hunting, and that’s a treaty right.

“It’s devastating because it’s also sacred. It’s a place where ceremony has taken place.”

McCarron expressed that sacred spaces in Indigenous culture aren’t often respected as they should be.

Eric Reder, wilderness and water campaigner with the Wilderness Committee, said he has similar concerns, but is also wary that the government paints the project as a step closer to net-zero carbon emissions.